Mining apparatus



Nov. 30, 1937. J. F. JOY

MINING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 14, 1935 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 NNY mmv

` Nov. 30, w37. .1. F. JoY 2,100,336

l MINING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 14, 1935 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Nov.3o, 1937. l J.F.JOY 2,100,336

MINING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 14, 1955 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 dugg.

Nov. 30, 1937. J; F, Joy 2,100,336

MINING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 14, 1955 '7 Sheets-Sheetl 4 se/#z ffacy Nov. 30, 1937. .1. F. JOY 2,100,336

MINING APPARATU S Filed Nov. 14, 1935 7 sheets-Sheet 5 Nov. 3o, 1937. J, F, JOY 9 2,100,336

' MINING APPARATUS Filed Novv 14, 1935 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 J. F. JOY

MINING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 14, 41935 7 sheets-sheet 7 Nov. 30, 1937.

Patented Nov. 30, 1937 PANT OFFICE MINING APPARATUS Joseph F. Joy, Claremont, N. H., assignor to Sullivan Machinery Company, a corporation of Massachusetts Application November 14, 1935, Serial No. 49,781

. 35 Claims.

This invention relates to mining apparatus, and more particularly to improvements in a coal mining apparatus of the wheel supported and track guided type, commonly known as a track cutter.

An object of this invention is to provide an improved coal mining apparatus of the mounted track cutter type. Another object is to provide an improved adjustable supporting structure for the kerf cutting means of such an apparatus. Yet another object is to provide improved means for elevating, swinging and tilting Y the kerf cutter and for propelling the apparatus.

A further object is to provide improved hydraulically operated cylinder and piston devices for elevating, swinging and tilting the kerf cutter. A still further object is to provide an improved track cutter of an extremely compact, and relatively inexpensive and simple design. Other 20 objects will hereinafter more fully appear.

In the accompanying drawings there is shown for purposes of illustration one form which the invention may assume in practice.

In these drawings,-

25 Fig. 1 is a plan view of the illustrative embodiment of the improved mining apparatus.

Fig. 2 is a side elevational Vview of the mining apparatus shown in Fig. 1, elevated and tilted positions of the kerf cutter being shown in dotted lines.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged view in longitudinal sec tion taken substantially on line 3-3 of Fig. l.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged view in longitudinal section taken substantially on line 4-4 of Fig. 1.

3,-, Fig, 5 is an enlarged fragmentary plan View showing the transmission mechanism, the top cover plate being broken away to show the interior construction.

Fig. 6 is a cross sectional View taken substan- 40 tially on line 6 5 of Fig. 5.

Fig. '7 is a cross sectional View taken substantially on line I-l of Fig. 1.

v Fig. 8 is a cross sectional view taken substantially on line 8-8 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 9 is a cross sectional view taken substantially on line 9 9 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 10 is a cross sectional View taken substantially on line IIJ-Ill of Fig. 5.

Fig. 11 is a horizontal sectional View taken substantially on line I I I I of Fig. 2.

Fig. l2 is a cross sectional view taken substantially on line I2-I2 of Fig. l1.

Fig. 13 is a horizontal sectional View taken substantially on line I3-I3 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 14 is a detail sectional view taken on line M-Ill of Fig. 11.

Fig. 15 is a diagrammatic view showing the hydraulic system for the various hydraulic devices. 5

Fig. 16 is a detail sectional view showing the by-pass Valve.

In this illustrative embodiment of the invention there is shown a coal mining apparatus of the wheel supported and track guided type, com- 10 monly known as a track cutter, generally comprising a self-propelled, portable base I having mounted thereon the improved adjustable kerf cutting means generally designated 2. The base I is in the form of a truck frame 3 having de- 15 pending rear axle boxes 4 supporting bearings in which is journaled the rear axle 5, while the front axle 5 is journaled in bearings supported within axle boxes 'I formed on a connecting frame 8 extending longitudinally of the frame 3 below 20 the latter as shown in Fig. 11, and in turn having at its rear end bearing bosses 9 journaled on the rear axle 5. Secured to the front and rear axles are truck'wheels Il] adapted to run along a mine trackway II laid on the mine floor. The rear truck wheel axle provides a horizontal pivot for the frame 3, and secured to the bottom of the frame 3 is a plate I2 having depending guides I3, I3 engaging the vertical plane sides I4 of the connecting frame 8 for guiding the frame 3 dur- 30 ing its vertical tilting movement about the rear truck wheel axle 5, as will later be described. The forward portion of the vertically tiltable frame 3 is supported on the axle boxes l', 1 of the connecting frame 8 by means of a pair of 35 reciprocable hydraulic cylinders I5, I5 having their upper heads I6 pivotally mounted at II on a bearing bracket I8 in turn pivotally mounted at I9 on a transverse axis in the frame 3 on the opposite sides of a tiltable frame 20 as shown in 40 Fig. 7. The axes of pivotal connection of the cylinders I 5 with the brackets I8 and the bracket axes are arranged at right angles, thereby to iorm universal pivotal mountings for the upper ends of the cylinders. Contained in the cylinders I5 45 are pistons 2I having piston rods 22 extending downwardly through the packed lower heads 23 of the cylinders and pivotally connected at 24 at their lower extremities within brackets 25 pivotally mounted at 26 on transverse pivot pins 21. 50 These pivot pins are arranged with their axes in alinement and extending horizontally in parallel relation with the truck wheel axles, and are fixed within bosses 28 formed integral with the front axle boxes 'I of the connecting frame 8. It is 55 accordingly evident that when hydraulic pressure is supplied to one end or the other of the cylinders |5 the frame 3 may be tilted in a vertical direction about the rear truck wheel axle as a pivot. The tiltable frame 25, to which the hydraulic cylinders l5 are pivotally connected as shown in Fig. 3, is journaled for rocking movement about a longitudinal axis relative to the frame 3 in a bearing sleeve 39 supported on a cylindrical bearing support 3| fixed to the frame 3. It will thus further be evident that by supolying fluid under pressure selectively to the cyllnders 5, the frame 29 may be rocked on its bearing about an axis extending longitudinally of the frame 3 relative to the latter. By trapping the fluid in the cylinders I5 the frames 3 and 29 may be locked in their adjusted position. Secured as by bolts to the tiltable frame 29 is a head frame 33 provided with an upstanding cylindric bearing boss 34 supporting bearing sleeves 35 on which is rotatably mounted an annular bearing member 33 with which a bracket 31 is integrally formed, and this frame 35 has lateral portions 38, 38 providing vertical guideways 39 in which are slidably guided vertical guides il formed integrally with a hanger frame 4|. Carried by this hanger frame is an elongated hori- Zontal plane cutter bar 42 comprising the kerf cutting element of the kerf cutting means 2. Mounted on the margin of the cutter bar 421 for circulation orbitally thereabout is an endless cutter chain 43 carrying usual cutter bits.

Now referring to the driving means for the kerf cutting means 2, it will be noted that mounted within the frame 3 is a motor 44 having its power shaft 45 horizontally disposed and extending longitudinally of the frame 3. The forward 'end of the motor power shaft is connected by a self-alining coupling 46 to a longitudinal transmission shaft 41 suitably journaled within the frame 3 and arranged with its axis coincident with the tilt axis of the tiltable frame '2.0. Fixed to the forward end ofthe shaft 41 is a spur gear 48 meshing with a large spur gear [r9 keyed to a longitudinal transmission shaft 59 suitably journaled in the head frame 33. Secured to the forward end of the shaft 59 is a bevel gear 5| meshing with a large bevel gear 52 having its hub 53 journaled on bearing sleeves 54 supported o'n .a vertical tubular shaft 55, and the gear hub is connectible to this shaft by a usual sliding clutch 56. rl'he shaft 55 is suitably journaled within bearings supported by the head frame 33 and has splined thereto at 51 and telescopically arranged therein a coaxial shaft 58, the shafts 55, 58 alined with the cutter bar pivot and cooperating to provide a telescopic torque shaft connection between the bevel gear 52 and a chain sprocket 59 keyed to the upper end of the shaft 58. The upper end of the shaft 58 is journaled in bearings `supported by the hanger frame 4i, Vand the chain sprocket 59 engages and drives the cutter chain 43.

Hydraulically operated means is provided for elevating the hanger frame 4| vertically along its guidew'ays relative to the head frame 33 to vary the elevation of the 'cutter bar comprising a hydraulic cylinder 53 having its lower end secured at 64 within the bracket 31 and containing a re- 'ciprocatory .piston 65. The piston has a piston rod 66 projecting upwardly through the packed top head 51 of the cylinder and is secured at 59 at its upper extremity to the hanger frame 4|.

It will thus be seen that when hydraulic pressure lis supplied to one end or the other of the cylinder 63 the piston 65 may be moved either upwardly or downwardly to move the hanger frame relative to the head frame to vary the elevation of the cutter bar. During such adjustment of the cutter bar, the splined telescopically arranged shafts 55, 53 afford a driving connection between the bevel gear 52 and the cutter chain drive sprocket 5S, so that irrespective of the elevated position of the cutter bar the cutter chain may at all times be driven by the motor through the spur gearing @8, 49 and bevel gearing 5|, 52. By trapping the fluid within the cylinder S3 the cutter bar may be locked in its adjusted position.

The means for swinging the hanger frame il about its bearings on the head frame 33 thereby to swing the cutter bar in its plane about the axis of the shaft 58 comprises a pair of hydraulic cylinders 19, 19 arranged at opposite sides of the frame 3 and secured at their forward ends within heads 1| supported by brackets 12 secured to the tiltable frame 2l). These cylinders extend longitudinally in parallel relation, and each contains a reciprocatory piston 13 having a piston rod iii extending rearwardly through the packed rear head 15 of the cylinder and supporting at its rearward extremity a bracket 16. Journaled in the brackets 'i5k are sheavesl'l, and secured to the heads 1| at 18 are cables 19, these cables extending around the sheaves 11 forwardly longitudinally along the sides of the frame 3 and guided within an arcuate guiding groove 83 formed on a flange 8| integral with the annular bearing support 38. The opposite ends of these cables i9 are secured at 82 to the rotatable frame 38. It is accordingly evident that when hydraulic pressure is supplied to the forward end of one or the other of the hydraulic cylinders 16, one or the other of the pistons may be moved to deflect its cooperating cable thereby to swing the cutter hanger in its bearings relative to the head frame, swinging therewith the cutter bar. When the fluid is trapped in the cylinders the cutter bar may be locked in its adjusted position about its pivot.

Now referring to the improved propulsion means for the apparatus, it will be noted that xed to the rear end of the motor power shaft 45 is a spur pinion 85 meshing with a spur gear 86 keyed to the forward end of a longitudinal transmission shaft 81. This shaft is suitably journaled within a transmission housing 88 secured to the rear end of the tiltable frame 3 and has secured to its rear end a spur pinion 89 meshing with a large spur gear 9D herein journaled on a longitudinal transmission shaft 9| arranged parallel with the shaft 81 and likewise journaled within the housing 83. The spur gear 9i) constitutes a low speed terminal driving element and is connectible to the shaft 9| by means of a multiple disc clutch 92. Formed integral with the shaft 81 is a worm wheel 93 meshing, as shown in Fig. 1|), with a worm wheel 94 fixed to a vertical shaft 95 suitably journaled on the transmission housing. Secured to the shaft 95 is a worm 95 meshing with a worm wheel 91 herein arranged coaxially with the spur gear and likewise journaled on the shaft 9|. The worm wheel 91 constitutes the low speed terminal driving element and is connectible by a multiple disc clutch 99 to the shaft 9|. Keyed to the rear end of the shaft 9i is a bevel gear |09 meshing, as shown in Fig. 9, with reverse bevels lili and |02 selectively connectible by multiple disc clutches |93 and |94 to a transverse shaft |95. The gears IUI, |92 are journaled on the shaft |05 and the latter is, in

turn, journaled within the transmissionlhousing. Keyed to the shaft |05 is a chain sprocket |06 connected by an endless chain connection |01 to a sprocket |08 xed to the rear truck wheel axle 5. The front and rear truck wheel axles are connected in driving relation by a chain and sprocket connection |09. It will thus be seen that depending on which one of thespeed controlling clutches 92, 99 is applied, the shaft 9| may be driven at either a low or a high speed, and as a result the truck wheels may be driven at either a high or a low speed, and in either direction at either speed under the control of the reverse frictions |03 and |04. The operating means for the speed controlling clutches 92, 99 comprises a clutch shipper member I I0 with which engages a shipper yoke fixed to a transverse operating rod ||2. Keyed to the rod ||2 is a lever ||3 connected through a linkA I 4 and eccentric ||5 to an operating lever ||6. The operating means for the reverse frictions |03, |04 comprises a shipper member ||8 with which engages a ship- Y per yoke ||9 secured to a reciprocable actuating rod |20. 'Ihe outer extremity of the rod |20 is connected through a pin and slot connection |2| to anoperating lever |22.

Avtruck wheel brake |25 is provided for controlling movement of the apparatus along the vmine trackway and comprises a brake drum |26 keyed to the reartruck wheel axle 5 and with which a brake band |21 cooperates. This brake band is connected through suitable linkage |28 to a crank |2791 iixed to a transverse operating rod |30. Secured tothe outer end of the rod |30 is a link I3| to which is pivotally connected a pull rod |32 having an operating lever |33.

Now referring to the improved hydraulic uid systemrfor supplying hydraulicpressuretothevarious cylinder and piston devices, it will be noted that the transmission housing 88 forms a reservoir |35 for containing a liquid, preferably oil, and arranged in thisrreservoir, submerged in the liquid, is a hydraulic gear pump |36 of a conventional design. This pump is driven by a gear |31 secured to the pump drive shaft |38 and meshing with the low speed terminal driving gear 90 of the transmission mechanism. 'I'he pump |36 is adapted to pump oil under high pressure from the reservoir to the various hydraulic devices, and arranged at the rear end of the transmission housing is a valve box 39 containing control valves for controlling the hydraulic cutter swing cylinders 10,10, the elevating cylinder 63 and the head frame tilting and rocking cylinders I5, I5. Located near the valve box |39 within the transmission housing is a Valve box |40 containing by-pass valves for regulating the hydraulic pressure in the system. As shown diagrammatically in Fig. 15, leading from the dischargerside of the oil pump |36 to the bypass valve box |40 are supply conduits |4| and |42, and the conduit I4I is connected by a con- ,duitl43 to the intake passage |44 of the control valve box |39. The discharge passage |45 of the control valve box |39 is connected by a conduit |46 to the reservoir. The conduit I4I is communicable through a passage |48 under the control of an end seating valve |49 with a chamber |50 in the by-pass valve box |40, while the chamber |50 is connected by a passage |5| under the control of an end seating valve |52.with the return conduit |41. The end seating valves |49, |52 are controlled by an operating lever |53, and when this lever is swung into the position shown in Fig, 16, oilunder pressure flows through the conduitsl|4|, |43 to the supply passage of the control valve box |39, while the conduit |42 is connected through the chamber |50, passage |5| past the valve |52, with the return conduit |41'. When the lever |53 is swung into its opposite position communication of the passage |5| with the return conduit |41 is cut off by the valve |52 and at that time both of the supply conduits I 4|, |42 communicate with the supply conduit |43. The casing of the control valve box |39 is formed with a plurality of vertical bores, herein four in number, respectively, having arranged therein control valves |55, |59, |51 and |58, each provided Vwith an operating handle. 'Ihese valves are formed with upper annular channels |59, all communicating with the exhaust passage |45, and their lower ends are formed with reduced portions |60, and the valve bores at the lower ends of the valves all communicate past these reduced portions with the supply passage |44. 'Ihe bore for the valve |55, which is herein the cutter swing control valve, is connected by conduits |6| and |62 with the forward ends of the cutter swing cylinders 10, while the rear ends of the cylinders 10 are connected through a conduit |63 with a return conduit |64 leading back to the reservoir. The bore for the valve |56, which is herein a tilt cylinder control valve, is connected by conduits` |65.and |66 with the opposite ends of one of the tilt cylinders I5, while the bore for the valve |51, which is also a tilt cylinder control valve, is connected by conduits |61 and v|68 with the opposite ends of the other tilt cylinder I5.. Tle bore for the valve |58, which is the elevating cylinder control. valve, is connectedV by conduits |69 and |10 with the opposite ends of the elevating cylinder 63`. Each of the valves |55, |56, |51 and |58 has formed on its periphery a pair of longitudinal grooves, one groove for connecting its return conduit with the exhaust and the other groove for connecting the supply conduit with the pressure supply passage. It will thus be seen that the control valves |55, |56, |51 and |58 may be operated to supply oil under pressure to the cutter swing cylinders 10, the tilt cylinders I5 and the elevating cylinder 63. When the valve |55 is moved into the position to connect the conduit I6I with the supply passage |44 and the conduit |62 with the exhaust passage |45, oil under pressure is supplied to one of the cutter swing cylinders 10 to swing the kerf cutter in one direction about its pivot relative to the head frame, and when the position of the valve is reversed the conduit I6I is connected to the exhaust passage |45 while the conduit |62 is connected to the supply passage |44, and as a result oil under pressure is supplied to the other cutter swing cylinder 10 to swing the kerf cutter about its pivot relative to the head frame in the opposite direction. When the valves |56 and |51 are in the position shown in Fig. 15, oil under pressure may ow from the supply passage 44 through the conduits |65 and |61 simultaneously to the lower ends of the cylinders I5 thereby to move the latter downwardly relative to the stationary pistons 2| to swing the frame 3, together with the kerf cutter, about the rear truck wheel axle as a pivot, thereby to tilt the kerf cutter downwardly wih respect to the horizontal. When the position of the valves |56, |51 is reversed, oil under pressure may ow from the supply passage |44 through the conduits |66 and |68 to the upper ends of the`cylinders I5 thereby to tilt the frame 3 upwardly about its pivotal connection with the rear truck wheel axle to tilt the kerf cutter upwardly 'with rrespect to the horizontal. .By independently controlling the valves |56, |51 the supply of oil under pressure to the cylinders I5 may be regulated to tilt the head frame 33 about its axis rrelative to the frame 3, thereby to tilt the kerf cutter sidewise about a longitudinal axis. When the valve |58 is in the position shown in Fig. 15, oil under pressure may ilow from the supply passage |44 through the conduit |69 to the lower endof the elevating cylinder 63, thereby to move the piston upwardly to elevate the kerf cutter relative to the head frame. When .the position of the valve |58 is reversed, oil 'under pressure may iiowfrom the supply passage |44 through the conduit |10 to the upper end of the cylinder 63, thereby to depress the piston 65 to lower the kerf cutter.

The general mode of operation ofr the improved mining apparatus is as follows: The apparatus may be propelled'along the mine trackway at a relatively high transport speed under the control ofthe high speed disc clutch 02 and one ofthe reverse frictions |03, |04. When the working place is reached, oil under pressure is supplied to one of the cutter swing cylinders 'l0 thereby to efect swinging of the kerf cutter about its pivot until its tip end reaches the right hand rib, the kerf cutter thereafter Vbeing locked in position by the oil trapped in the swing cylinder. The operator then applies the slow speed disc clutch 99 and the proper reverse friction |03, I4, and as a .result the apparatus is propelled forwardly along the mine trackway to sump the kerf cutter within the coal.v Upon completion of the sumping cut the slow speed friction S9k is released and the jtruck wheel brake |25 set to hold the truck frame stationary on the mine trackway. Oil under pressure is then supplied to the other of the cutter swing cylinders 'l0 to effect swinging of the kerf cutter from right to left to form an arcuate kerf within the coal, and upon completion of the swinging cut the kerf cutter is locked in position by the oil trapped in the swing cylinder and the brake released. The slow speed clutch 99 is then again applied, and upon application of the other reverse friction 03,104 the apparatus is propelled rearwardly along the mine trackway, to effect withdrawal of the kerf cutter from the coal, thereby -to complete the cut. During the cutting operation the kerf cutter may be tilted in a vertical .direction and rocked about a longitudinal axis by regulating the flow of oil under pressure to the tilt cylinders l5. The elevation of the kerf cutter may be varied by suitably supplying oil under pressure to the elevating cylinder 63.

As a result of this invention, it will be noted that an improved coa-l mining apparatus is provided having improved means for tilting the kerf cutter whereby the kerf cutter may be controlled during'the cutting operation to follow an uneven mine floor vor a pitching coal seam. It will further be noted that by the provision of the hydraulic laerf cutter swinging cylinders, the tilting and rocking cylinders and the elevating cylinders, the kerf cutter may be readily adjusted into -different cutting positions to meet varying mining conditions. It will further be noted that the improved mining apparatus is of an exteremely simple and rugged design, is extremely low in -overall height and compact both laterally and longitudinally. Other uses and advantages of the improved coal mining apparatus will be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art.

While I have in this application specifically described one form which my invention may assume in practice,` it will be understood that this form of the same is shown for purposes of illustration, and that the invention `may be modified and embodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit or the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. In a mining apparatus, .a portable base embodying a vertically tiltable frame, a tiltable support mounted on the forward end of said frame at the forward end of said base to rock with respect thereto,ra kerf cutter carried by said support and having orbitally movable cutting elements, said kerf cutter swingable about its pivot to cut a plane kerf in a mine wall, vand power operated devices connected to said tiltable support for rocking the latter relative to said frame and for vertically tilting said frame, said power operated devices common both to support rocking and frame tilting.

2. In a mining apparatus, a portable base embodying a vertically tiltable frame a tiltable support mounted on the forward end of said frame at the forward end of said base to rock with respect thereto about an axis extending longitudinally of said frame, a kerf cutter carried by said support and having orbitally movable cutting elements, said kerf cutter swingable about its pivot to cut-a plane kerf in a mine Wall, and power operated devices connected to said tiltable support for rocking the latter about said longitudinal axis relative to said frame and for vertically tilting said frame, said power operated devices common both to support rocking and frame tilting.

3. In a mining apparatus, a portable base embodying a vertically tiltable frame, a tiltable support mounted on the forward end of said frame at the forward end of said base to rock with respect thereto, a kerf cutter carried by said support and having orbitally movable cutting elements, said kerf cutter swingable about its pivot to cut a plane kerf in a mine wall, a pair l of power operated devices extending between said base and said tiltable support and common both to support rocking and frame tilting, and means for effecting simultaneous operation of said devices for tilting said frame and selective operation of said devices for rocking said support relative to said frame.

4. In a mining apparatus, a portable base ernbodying a vertically tiltable frame, a tiltable support mounted on said frame to rock with respect thereto about an axis extending longitudinally of said frame, a kerf cutter carried by said support and having orbitally movable cutting elements, said kerf cutter swingable about its pivot vto cut a plane kerf in a mine wall, .a pair of vertically disposed, power operated devices extending. between said base and said tiltable support and common both `to support rocking and tilting of said frame, and means for eiecting simultaneous operation of said devices for tilting said frame and selective operation of said devices for rocking said support about its longitudinal axis relative to said frame.

5. In a mining apparatus, a portable base embodying a vertically tiltable frame, a tiltable support mounted on the forward end of said frame at the forward end of said base to rock with respect thereto, a frame mounted on said support foradjustment vertically relative thereto,

a kerf cutter "carried by said vertically adjustable frame, power operated devices connected to said tiltable support for rocking the latter and for vertically .tilting said frame, said power operated devices common both to rocking said support and tilting said frame, and a power operated device for verticallyadjusting said second mentioned frame relative to said support.

6. In a mining apparatus, a portable base embodying a vertically tiltable frame, a'tiltable support mounted on the forward end of said frame at the forward end ofV said base to rock with respect thereto, a frame mounted onsaid support for rotation relative thereto, a kerf cutter carried by said rotatable frame, power operated devices connected to said tiltable support for rocking the latter and for vertically tilting said frame, said power operated devices common both to rocking said support and tilting said frame, and' power operated devices on said support for rotating said second mentioned frame relative to said support.

7. Ina mining apparatus, a portable base embodying a vertically tiltable frame, a tiltable support mounted on the forward end of said frame at the forward end of said base to rock with respect thereto, a frame rotatably mounted on said support, asecond support mounted on said second mentioned frame for vertical adjustment with respect thereto, a kerf cutter carried by said vertically adjustable support, power operated devices connected to said tiltable support for rocking the latter and for vertically tilting said first mentioned frame, power operated devices on said first mentioned support for rotating said second mentioned frame, and a power operated kdevice on said second mentioned frame for vertically adjusting said second mentioned support.

8. In a mining apparatus, a portable base embodying a vertically tiltable frame, a tiltable support mounted on said frame to rock with respect thereto, a kerf cutter carried by said support, and a pair of vertically disposed, hydraulic cylinder and piston devices extending between said base and said tiltable support for rocking said support relative to said frame and for vertically tilting said frame.

9. In a mining apparatus, a portable base embodying aV vertically tiltable frame, a tiltable support mounted on said frame to rock with respect thereto about an axis extending longitudinally of said frame, a kerf cutter carried by said tiltable support, and a pair of vertically disposed, hydraulic cylinder and piston devices extending between said base and said tiltable support for rocking the latter relative to said frame and for vertically tilting said frame.

10. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled support adapted to runpalong a mine trackway and having front and rear axles, a frame for connecting said axles in spaced relation, a second frame pivotally mounted on said rear axle to swing vertically relative thereto, a support mounted on said second frame to rock with respect thereto, adjustable devices extending between said connecting frame and said tiltable support for tilting the latter relative to said secon-d frame and for vertically tilting said second frame about said rear axle, and a kerf cutter carried by said tiltable support.

11. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled support adapted to run along a mine trackway and embodying front and rear axles and a spacing frame connecting said axles, a 'frame pivotally mounted on the rear axle to swing in a vertical direction Vsaid support is tiltable for relative to said spacing frame, a support mounted on said second frame to rock with respect thereto, a kerf cutter carried by said tiltable support, and extensible adjusting devices extending between said spacing frame and said tiltable support for rocking the latter with respect to said second frame and for vertically tilting said second frame about the rear truck wheel axle.

12. In a mining apparatus, a portable base embodying' a vertically tiltable frame, a tiltable support mounted on said frame to rock with respect thereto, a kerf cutter carried by said tiltable support, power operated devices connected to said tiltable support for rocking the latter with respect to said frame and for vertically tilting said frame, and a motor carried by said tiltable frame and relative to which said support is tiltable for operating said power operated devices.

13. In a mining apparatus, a portable base embodying a vertically tiltable frame, a tiltable support mounted on said frame to rock with respect thereto, a kerf cutter carried by said tiltable support, power operated devices connected to said tiltable support for rocking the latter with respect to said frame and for vertically tilting said frame, and a motor carried by said tiltable frame and relative -to which said support is tiltable for operating'said power operated devices and for driving said kerf cutter.

14. In a mining apparatus, a portable base embodying a vertically tiltable frame, a tiltable support mounted on said frame to rock with respect thereto, a rotatable frame mounted on said support, a kerf cutter carried by said rotatable frame, power operated devices connected to said tiltable support for rocking the latter relative to said frame and for vertically tilting said frame, power operated devices for rotating said rotatable frame relative to said support, and a motor carried by said tiltable frame and relative to which said support is tiltable for operating said power operated devices.

15. In a mining apparatus, a portable base embodying a vertically tiltable frame, a tiltable support mounted on said frame to rock with respect thereto, a rotatable frame mounted on said tiltable support, a support mounted on said rotatable frame for adjustment vertically with respect thereto, a kerf cutter carried by said vertically adjustable support, power operated devices connected to said tiltable support for rocking the latter relative to said tiltable frame and for vertically tilting said tiltable frame, power operated devices for rotating said rotatable frame relative to said tiltable support, a power operated device for adjusting said vertically adjustable support relative to said rotatable frame, and a motor carried by said tiltable frame and relative to which operating said power devices.

16. In a. mining apparatus, a portable base embodying a vertically tiltable frame, a support mounted on said frame to rock with respect thereto about an axis extending longitudinally of said frame, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said tiltable support to swing relative thereto, a pair of vertically disposed, hydraulic cylinder and piston devices extending between said base and tiltable support for rocking the latter relative to said frame and for vertically tilting said frame, and a pair of hydraulic cylinder and piston devices carried by said tiltable support and extending longitudinally of said frame at theopposite sides thereof for swinging said kerf cutter about its pivot.

17. In a mining apparatus, a portable base embodying a vertically tiltable frame, a support mounted on said tiltable frame to rock with respect thereto about an axis extending longitudinally of said frame, a rotatable frame carried by said tiltable sup-port, a vertically adjustable support carried by said rotatable frame, a kerf cutter carried by said vertically adjustable support, a pair of vertically disposed, hydraulic cylinder and piston devices extending between said base and said tiltable supportV for tilting the latter relative to said tiltable frame and for vertically tilting said tiltable frame, a pair of hydraulic cylinder and piston devices carried by said tiltable support and extending longitudinally of sai-d frame at the opposite sides thereof for rotating said rotatable frame relative to said tiltable support, and a vertically disposed, hydraulic cylinder andr piston device for vertically adjusting said vertically adjustable support relative to said rotatable frame.

18. In a mining apparatus, a portable base embodying a vertically tiltable frame, a tiltable support mounted on said frame to rock with respect thereto,v a rotatable frame mounted on said tiltable support, a support mounted on said rotatable frame for a-djustment vertically with respect thereto, a kerf cutter carried by said vertically adjustable support, fluid operated devices connected to said tiltable support for rocking the latter relative to said tiltable frame and for tilting said tiltable frame, fluid operated devices 'for rotating said rotatable frame relative to said tiltable support, a uid operated -device for adjusting said vertically adjustable support relative to said rotatable frame, and a motor driven pump carried by said tiltable frame and relative to which said support is tiltable for supplying fluid under pressure to said fluid operated devices.

19. In a mining apparatus, a portable base embodying a vertically tiltable frame, a tiltable support mounted on said frame to rock with respect thereto about an axis extending longitudinally of said frame, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said tiltable support to swing relative the-reto, a pair of hydraulic cylinder and piston devices extending between said base and tiltable support for rocking the latter relative to said frame and for tilting said frame, a pair of hydraulic cylinder and piston devices carried by sai-d tiltable support for swinging said kerf cutter about its pivot, and a motor driven pump carried by said tiltable frame and relative to which said support is tiltable for supplying fluid under pressure to said hydraulic cylinder and piston devices.

20. In a mining apparatus, a portable base embodying a vertically tiltable frame, a tiltable support mounted on said tiltable frame to rock with respect thereto about an axis extending longitudi- I nally of said frame, a rotatable frame carried by said tiltable support, a vertically adjustable support carried by said rotatable frame, a Keri' cutter carried by said vertically adjustable support, a pair of hydraulic cylinder and piston devices extending between said base and said tiltable support for tilting the latter relative to said tiltable frame and for tilting said tiltable frame, a pair of hydraulic cylinder and piston devices carried by said tiltable support for rotating said rotatable frame relative to said tiltable support, a hydraulic cylinder and piston devicefor vertically adjusting said vertically adjustable support relative to said rotatable frame, and a motor driven pump carried by said tiltable frame and relative to which said support is tiltable for supplying fluid under pressure to said hydraulic cylinder and pis.- ton devices.

21. In a mining apparatus, a frame, a tiltable support mounted on the front endof said frame to rock relative thereto about a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of the apparatus, said support projecting forwardly in advance of said frame, a kerf cutter supported by said tiltable support and pivotally mounted on said support to swing relative thereto, said support tiltable relative to said frame to adjust said 'cutter into relatively incline-d cutting planes, and means for swinging said kerf cutter about its pivotal axis relative to said support including hydraulic jacks mounted at their frontrends on said support and projecting rearwardly therefrom, said jacks cornprising cylinders containing reciprocable pistons, and ilexible transmission means connected to said kerf cutter and actuated by said pistons oi said jacks.

22. In a mining apparatus, a frame, a tiltable support mounted on said frame to rock relative thereto about a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of the apparatus, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said support to swing relative thereto, and means forswinging said kerf cutter about itsI pivotal axis relative to Said support including hydraulic jacks mounted at their front ends on said support and extending rearwardly along and spaced from the opposite sides or" said frame, said jacks comprising cylinders containg reciprocable pistons, and flexible transmission means connected to said kerf cutter and actuated by said pistons of said jacks.

23. In a mining apparatus, a frame, a tiltable support mounted on said frame to rock relative thereto about a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of said frame, said support having lateral projections projecting from the opposite sides of said frame, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said support to swing relative thereto, and means for swinging said kerf cutter about its pivotal axis relative to said support including hydraulic cylinders mounted on said projections and extending rearwardly along the opposite sides of said frame, said cylinders containing reciprocable pistons, and iiexible transmission means connected to said kerf cutter and actuated by said pistons.

24. In a mining apparatus, a portable base including wheeled axles and a frame extending between and connecting said axles, said axles journaled in said frame and said frame having plane vertical sides, a second frame pivotally mounted on sai-d first frame to swing in a vertical direction with respect theretoand having guide members providing plane guide surfaces engaging said plane sides of said rst frame, an-d kerf cutting mechanism carried by said second frame.

25. In a mining apparatus, a portable base including wheeled axles and a frame extending between and connecting said axles, said axles journaled in said frame and said frame having plane vertical sides, a second frame pivotally mounted on said rst frame to swing in a vertical direction with respect thereto about an axis coincident with the axis of rotation of the rear truck wheel axle, said second frame having guide members providing plane guide surfaces engaging said plane sides of said rst frame, and kerf cutting mechanism carried by said second frame.

26. In a mining apparatus, a portable base including wheeled axles and a frame extending between and connecting said axles, said axles journaled .in said frame and said frame having vertical plane sides, a second frame pivotally mounted on said first frame to swing in a vertical direction with respect thereto about an axis coincident with the axis of rotation of the rear truck wheel axle, said second frame having depending guides providing plane guiding surfaces engaging said plane sides of said first frame, adjustable means extending between the front wheel axle and said second frame for tilting said second frame about its pivotal axis relative to said first frame, and kerf cutting mechanism carried by said second frame.

27. In a mining apparatus, a portable base including wheeled axles and a frame extending between and connecting said axles, said axles journaled in said frame and said frame having plane vertical sides, a second frame pivotally mounted on said first frame to swing in a vertical direction with respect thereto about an axis coincident with the axis of rotation of the rear truck wheel axle, said second frame having depending guides providing plane guiding surfaces engaging said plane sides of said rst frame, a tiltable support mounted on said second frame to rock relative thereto about an axis extending longitudinally of the apparatus, means extending between the front truck wheel axle and said tiltable support for tilting said second frame about its pivot relative to said first frame, said means being adjustable to rock said tiltable support about its pivotal axis relative to said second frame, and kerf cutting mechanism carried by said tiltable support.

28. In a mining apparatus, a portable base embodying a vertically tiltable frame, a motor carried by said tiltable frame, base propelling mechanism carried by said tiltable frame and driven by said motor, a tiltable support mounted on said frame to rock with respect thereto, a kerf cutter carried by said tiltable support, devices actuated by said motor and connected to said tiltable support for rocking the latter relative to said frame and for vertically tilting said frame, and means driven by said motor for actuating said kerf cutter.

29. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a frame pivotally mounted on said base to swing in a vertical direction with respect thereto, a tiltable support mounted on said frame to rock relative thereto about a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of said base, a kerf cutter mounted on said tiltable support, and means for tilting said frame relative to said base and for rocking said support relative to said frame including a' pair of hydraulic jacks universally pivotally connected at one end to said support and at their opposite ends pivotally connected to said base.

30. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a frame pivotally mounted on said base to swing in a vertical direction with respect thereto, a support mounted on said frame to rock relative thereto about a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of said base, a kerf cutter mounted on said tiltable support, and means `for tilting said frame relative to said base and for rocking said support relative to said frame including a pair of hydraulic jacks universally pivotally connected at one end to said support and at their opposite ends pivotally connected to said base, said jacks including hydraulic cylinders having rear heads, members pivotally mounted on said frame for rotation about horizontal axes extending transversely of said frame, a longitudinal pivotal connection between said cylinder heads and said members, pistons contained in said cylinders and having depending piston rods, and longitudinal pivotal connections between the lower ends of said piston rods and said base.

31. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a frame pivotally mounted on said base to swing in a vertical direction with respect thereto, a tiltable support pivotally mounted on said frame at the forward end of said base to rock relative thereto about an axis extending longitudinally of said base, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said support to swing relative thereto and adjustable with respect to said support into parallel cutting planes, hydraulic jacks extending between said base and said support for tilting said frame and support about their respective axes, hydraulic jacks carried by said support for swinging said kerf cutter about its pivot, and a hydraulic jack carried by said support for moving said kerf cutter into parallel cutting planes relative to said support.

32. In a mining apparatus, a portable base embodying a vertically tiltable frame, a tiltable support mounted on said frame at the forward end of said base to rock with respect thereto, a kerf cutter carried by said support, a motor mounted on said tiltable frame and relative to which said support is tiltable, and devices driven by said motor and connectible to said tiltable support for rocking the latter relative to said frame and for vertically tilting said frame.

33. In a mining apparatus, a portable base embodyingv a vertically tiltable frame, a tiltable support mounted on said frame at the forward end of said base to rock with respect thereto about an axis extending longitudinally of said frame, a kerf cutter carried by said support, a motor mounted on said tiltable frame and relative to which said support is tiltable, and devices driven by said motor and connectible to said tiltable support for rocking the latter relative to said frame and for vertically tilting said frame.

34. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, an elongated horizontal frame overlying said base and pivotally mounted on said base to swing in a vertical direction with respect thereto, a tiltable support mounted on the forward end of said frame at the forward end of said base to rock with respect to said frame, a kerf cutter carried by said tiltable support and having orbitally movable cutting elements, said kerf cutter swingable about its pivot to cut a plane kerf in a mine wall, and power operated devices connected to said tiltable support for rocking the latter relative to said frame and for vertically tilting said frame, said power operated devices common both to rocking said support and tilting said frame.

35. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, an elongated horizontal frame overlying said base and pivotally mounted on said base to swing in a vertical direction with respect thereto, a tiltable support mounted on the forward end of said frame at the forward end of said base to rock with respect to said frame about an axis extending longitudinally of said frame, a kerf cutter carried by said tiltable support and having orbitally movable cutting elements, said kerf cutter swingable about its pivot to cut a plane kerf in a mine wall, and power operated devices connected to said tiltable support for rocking the latter relative to said frame and for vertically tilting said frame, said power operated devices common both to rocking said support and tilting said frame.

JOSEPH F. JOY. 

